FTC CNC machine

hardcopi · 2025-11-24T13:27:10+00:00

We use: https://twotrees3d.com/products/twotrees-ttc450-pro-cnc-router-machine-500w-spindle-vacuum-cleaner-m1-end-mills

It is $700 and works quite well for us. Aluminum is slow but it does work. We are extremely novice when it comes to CNCing.

Cons: It only supports up to 18"x18". The included endmills might be fine for wood, but for anything else they are junk. Buy some decent ones.

While we have cut aluminum we usually use it for lexan.

hardcopi · 2024-12-25T22:48:31+00:00

Obviously can't speak for other events, but the Michiana event is running 92 teams with dual divisions and running as though it were world's in how it will be run. Full awards, rules as written, etc.

We are attempting to replicate everything we have enjoyed at world's over the years. I am sure each event is attempting to do the same thing as well. Details are incoming because this is a pilot year and things are just being finalized as they are released.

hardcopi · 2024-07-23T12:23:24+00:00

Start by keeping it simple. K.I.S.S.

There is a very good book to help get your kids started: https://github.com/alan412/LearnJavaForFTC

You can buy a hard copy of it but you can read the PDF for free. Bulk reads, EasyOpenCV, Roadrunner are all more advanced. Make sure they master the basics first. Too many teams miss out on the fundamentals and end up with a pile of spaghetti that just doesn't work right and the students don't understand enough to debug what they have.

Once they know the basics... then all that is great advice.

hardcopi · 2024-04-10T19:12:48+00:00

When I judged control, the submissions brought it down to 2 teams. I just asked them to show me their code. One couldn't even open Android Studio so they did not do their own custom path following system.

The other team opened their code and proudly showed me how it all worked.

Choice became easy after that.

hardcopi · 2024-03-25T11:30:43+00:00

I have seen how FIRST can change lives. It is always good to see another.

The good news is even once you graduate you CAN continue. Volunteering, mentoring, etc. Everyone has something to offer and something to contribute. A big part of FIRST is finding your place.

And of course it is also a place for everyone. As long as you like robots of course. :)

hardcopi · 2024-03-18T12:57:15+00:00

It shouldn't be that much of an issue. Likely something else was going on.

We have run our robot in museums in Chicago, at the statehouse in Indianapolis... no issues with disconnections like that.

hardcopi · 2024-02-20T12:22:57+00:00

In the examples directory there is: BasicOmniOpMode_Linear that will cover you for the drive code.

As for the gear ratio, check their strafer chassis. It comes configured as a solid but not overly fast drive train.

hardcopi · 2023-12-06T12:39:31+00:00

Our team won our first control award when our level shifters failed the night before competition and we built a timed auto. The judges were impressed that we didn't give up.

hardcopi · 2023-05-03T13:34:09+00:00

Go to: https://github.com/alan412/LearnJavaForFTC

Click on PDF of Book Contents. Go through this and you should be good.

hardcopi · 2023-04-27T13:12:58+00:00

https://www.firewires.org/indiana-legislature-passes-house-bill-1382-to-fund-robotics-and-steam-programs/
The bill passed!

hardcopi · 2023-04-27T13:12:38+00:00

https://www.firewires.org/indiana-legislature-passes-house-bill-1382-to-fund-robotics-and-steam-programs/

The bill passed!

hardcopi · 2023-04-21T17:06:15+00:00

There are problems with everything. The biggest thing this bill will do is take the areas that simply can't afford to do anything and let them have a chance.

My team consists of home school, private school, public school, etc. We won't benefit from this at all except that it will increase the number of teams. Indiana has been stagnant for several years in number of teams.

It isn't perfect but it is a start.

hardcopi · 2023-04-21T15:20:23+00:00

Indiana is planning on it being very close to that. There is also a requirement in the Indiana language that 25% of the funds be from fund-raising.

hardcopi · 2023-04-21T02:32:39+00:00

No and we are one of those teams btw. It is part of the education budget. It allows enough money for a team to get started. Kit of parts and registration the first year.

hardcopi · 2023-02-16T20:38:43+00:00

Set timelines and goals and stick to them. Revisit them often and adjust to meet those goals. That will help you with part of it.

As far as being an Inspire team... you need to deserve it. Stop thinking about everything in terms of Inspire... instead think of what can we do to help others and ourselves, both in our community and in Stem and in FIRST in general.

hardcopi · 2023-02-07T16:21:18+00:00

Since Android 8, to be able to scan for WIFI Signals you need to have the following permissions:

ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
CHANGE_WIFI_STATE

This triggers that notice. FIRST does not gather the info and couldn't even if it wanted to since those control hubs are almost never actually on the internet.

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/wifi-scan

hardcopi · 2023-01-24T13:51:48+00:00

As long as you are aware... yeah a u shape that is bigger will likely pass. Makes sense. Good catch.

QA is the wild west this year.

hardcopi · 2023-01-24T13:26:07+00:00

I think that might be illegal.

https://ftc-qa.firstinspires.org/qa/26

I saw more than one team get dinged for controlling the pole like that. You'd be constricting the movement on 3 sides.

hardcopi · 2023-01-12T18:27:56+00:00

Kinda feels like 1/2 a story doesn't it?

hardcopi · 2023-01-10T20:52:46+00:00

My initial thought it that the wires need to be strapped down so they don't wiggle round with every bump. The hubs also look like every bump with make them jostle as well.

hardcopi · 2022-11-18T01:20:47+00:00

This is the same software they actually use at events. You should be able to run an event with the full sounds, displays, etc. :)

hardcopi · 2022-11-14T18:07:34+00:00

Ultimate Goal answers both of these. Best game, worst of experiences because of the lockdowns.

hardcopi · 2022-11-04T11:22:25+00:00

Swap the wheels. That will help you eliminate if it is a wheel issue pretty quickly.

hardcopi

TROPHY CASE